Accident Sequence
Witnesses observed the airplane depart to the north and experience a partial loss of power during the takeoff climb. The airplane then began a turn to the left and initiated what appeared to be a right base entry for a landing on runway 20. The airplane continued the turn, past 270 degrees, and as it flew beyond the end of the runway, the engine appeared to regain power and the airplane began a climb. Subsequently, the airplane banked sharply and impacted trees.
Engine Examination
Examination of the engine cylinders revealed heavy black combustion deposits on the number 3 and number 6 cylinder chambers, exhibiting signatures of operation with a foreign material. Additionally, two pieces of aluminum material were found in the combustion chamber of the number 6 cylinder. The aluminum pieces were identified to be the same material as the air filter mount frame from the airframe induction system. The number 5 top compression ring was also broken and severely worn.
Manufacturer's Statement
According to the Continental Report, "The ingestion of foreign material in cylinder combustion chambers can affect proper valve operation/timing and produce a combustion miss, thereby diminishing the engine power output."